In Memoriam: Justin Robert Lehman (July 17, 1981 – February 27, 2024)
By Daniel Price, Nicole Smith, and Ian Thomas
In 2015, Justin Lehman applied to participate in America Walks’ inaugural Walking College program but he was not awarded a Fellowship. In 2016, he submitted another application – and received another letter which started “With our regrets, …”.
Justin’s “problem” was that he was over-qualified! A Public Health Program Administrator with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, he had recently pioneered the “PA WalkWorks” initiative, through which walking routes/programs had been created in dozens of communities across the Commonwealth, walkability assessments had been conducted, and infrastructure plans had been developed. Justin was having so much success without participating in the Walking College, it did not make sense to award one of the limited Fellowships to him.
Instead, America Walks launched a different type of partnership with Justin and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, by hosting a pair of “Collaborative Workshops on Walkable Communities” in 2016 and 2017 in Harrisburg. These events brought together leaders and staff with four other state agencies (Departments of Aging, Conservation and Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, and PennDOT) for high-level planning, along with numerous non-government organizations (including AARP Pennsylvania, the PA Downtown Center, Recreation and Park Society, State Alliance of YMCAs, and American Heart Association).
Under Justin’s leadership, the newly-formed Pennsylvania Walkable Communities Collaborative developed and started to execute an ambitious Action Plan. Multi-Agency Teams focused on Research, Outreach and Communications, Community Capacity-Building, and implementation of “PennDOT Connects” – Secretary Richards’ innovative planning process under which all PennDOT infrastructure projects were re-evaluated to consider a wide range of potential community benefits in addition to moving traffic. Eight years later, PennDOT Connects still leads the way for other State Departments of Transportation who want to incorporate progressive values into their mission and vision.
Over the years, fourteen advocates from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have received Fellowships to the National Walking College – more than any other state. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin continued his leadership by convening those Fellows on quarterly zoom calls to keep the walking movement in Pennsylvania at the forefront of their community goals. This initiative over several years provided an opportunity for the Fellows to build new relationships and gain more knowledge on walkability programs across the state. The strength of that network contributed to Pennsylvania eventually hosting its own State Walking College, through which seven more Fellows graduated. These highly trained advocates have launched Walking Action Plans, which are making a difference in communities as diverse as Philadelphia, Pottstown, and York.
During the Pennsylvania State Walking College in late 2023, one of the lasting memories of Justin truly showcased his commitment to public service beyond what is traditionally seen. As the program was winding down, we hosted a walk audit of Susquehanna Township, right outside of Harrisburg. Even though Justin was moving on to a new role within state government, everyone participating in the audit was adamant that we invite him because we all had so much respect for him. Justin gladly showed up to a diner parking lot that morning, smiling, and energized to participate. For some of us, it was the first, and unfortunately the only time, we ever met him beyond a Zoom screen.
Justin Robert Lehman passed away suddenly on February 27, 2024. All three of us knew him well through his connection with America Walks and his leadership in Pennsylvania. Justin’s vision and inspiration for walking and walkability will be sadly missed but his professional legacy will live on.
The Pennsylvania Downtown Center has announced the Justin R. Lehman Community Capacity-Building Program for Developing Active Transportation Plans. And here is his personal obituary.
